SC Wisconsin News

Aspirus Health is drawing attention to the need for specialized care for sexual assault survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than half of women and nearly one in three men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact.

Aspirus Health offers the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program to provide survivors with confidential medical services and vital resources for healing. This program caters to both adolescents and adults and includes medical exams, forensic evidence collection upon request, and advocacy support. Survivors are empowered to make their own decisions throughout the process.

"They've had their choices taken away from them," said Rhonda Knoblock, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at Aspirus Health. "So we want to give those back to them. If they decide they want us to collect evidence, we will. If they decide they don’t want us to, we won’t. But we want to be there for them to provide the resources and care they need to help them through this time."

The availability of the SANE program at various Aspirus locations enhances its accessibility, particularly for rural communities. Knoblock highlighted the importance of local service availability, stating, "If they have to travel miles to see somebody, that can be a barrier that prevents them from seeking help. Having these services in their own community increases the likelihood that they will come in."

Aspirus committed to supporting all survivors, encouraging those hesitant about undergoing exams to seek help. "I know they’re scared, but we urge them to come in and talk to us,” said Knoblock. “Even if they choose not to have an exam, we want them to know we are here to help, to provide them with resources, and to support them in their healing journey."

Help is available at several Aspirus locations, including Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Aspirus Medford Hospital, and others. For further information, individuals are encouraged to visit the Aspirus website.